Live music fans rejoice! Calgary is known as the Country Music Capital of Canada but has also become a hot spot for virtually every genre of music. The city’s Music Mile is at the heart of the music scene, with over 20 live music venues stretching from Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in the East Village, to the Blues Can in historic Inglewood. Or you can rock out to local talent at The Palomino Smokehouse with a tall can in hand, score tickets to chart toppers at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and be the first to know about intimate concert experiences at Knox United Church. From small music venues and bars with live music to headlining stadium shows and live music downtown, these are the best places to see live music in Calgary.
Best Live Music Venues in Calgary
Best Live Music Venues in Calgary
Restaurants and Bars with Live Music in Calgary
The Palomino Smokehouse
It’s punk, rock, old school hip-hop, folk, metal, and country at The Palomino Smokehouse. With two floors of live music, and one of the best summer patios around, this live music venue has all the character and charm of a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Calgary. You can usually find a tall can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a plate of house made barbeque brisket too.
Location: 109 7 Ave SW
The Blues Can
The Blues Can is a full-time live music venue that hosts live shows seven days a week. Local talent, international players, open mic nights, jam sessions, and nightly performances make this the perfect place for a night out on the town. Pair your night of live music with a bowl of jambalaya, catfish and chips, or a pulled pork sandwich for the complete blues experience.
Location: 1429 9 Ave SE
Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Take an old warehouse and convert it into one of Calgary’s best live music venues. That’s what makes Commonwealth Bar & Stage a late night destination for live music, with two floors of entertainment to explore. The main floor hosts weekly shows while some of the city’s best hip hop DJs bring the energy in the basement level for hip hop nights. You might even catch a performance by club founders and local favourites Smalltown DJs on any given night.
Location: 731 10 Ave SW
Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar
Hosting live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar transforms itself into an intimate venue that is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and discover local performers. Grab a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a late night shot of espresso and check out singer songwriters in Inglewood.
Location: 909 10 St SE
Ironwood Stage & Grill
Location: 1229 9 Ave SE
King Eddy
Historic, legendary, and full of stories, King Eddy has an unmatched legacy in the city of Calgary. With over 100 years of local history, the popular music venue was a legendary blues club before being restored by the National Music Centre. Today, “The Eddy” hosts the best in Canadian talent in the main performance space and on the open air rooftop patio. A trip to the King Eddy isn’t complete without peering into the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, housed just next door on the ground floor of Studio Bell.
Location: 438 9 Ave SE
Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery
It’s always a good vibe at Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery, the popular Beltline restaurant and live music venue. Known for hosting a full calendar of blues, rock, jazz, tribute shows, open mic nights, karaoke, and drag performances, Mikey’s serves up a full menu of classic pub fare and tacos too. Located along the downtown cycle track, it’s easy to bike to the next concert at Mikey’s.
Location: 109 6404 Bowness Road NW
Prairie Dog Brewing
Prairie Dog Brewing brings a fresh mix of craft beer, smoked meats, and live local music. Known for its laid-back vibe, this brewery offers house-made BBQ favourites like smoked ribs and brisket, alongside award-winning beers brewed onsite. Enjoy live tunes on select nights and dig into their signature BBQ platters with friends in a warm, casual setting.
Location: 105D 58 Ave SE
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall
Ranchman’s has been a local favourite for over 50 years as one of the best places to put on your boots and jeans for a night of dancing and live music. Check out the events calendar for a full lineup of live music taking the stage or take part in a series of free two step and line dancing lessons on the classic wood dance floor. You can even book a free limo service with no line and no cover.
Location: 9615 Macleod Trail SE
Whiskey Rose
Cold beer, great food, and live music make Whiskey Rose a welcome addition to the music scene along 17th Ave SW. Some of the biggest names in Canadian country music take the stage along with drag brunches and the popular concert series during the Calgary Stampede. Order a sarsaparilla sour, pink Cadillac, namesake whiskey rose or solo cup cocktail before you hit the dance floor.
Location: 1012 17 Ave SW
You can hear live music on two floors at The Palomino (Photo Credit: Colin Way)
Listen to jazz, blues, folk, and alternative country and everything in between at Ironwood (Photo Credit: Kelly Hofer)
Concert Venues in Calgary
The Palace Theatre
There isn’t a bad spot in the house at The Palace Theatre, with three levels to view the stage and take in the sound. Hosting everything from punk, rock, and electronic to hip hop, pop, and drag, this Stephen Avenue venue is a great chance to see up and coming acts before they head to the stadium circuit. Arrive early and check your coat for general admission shows for the best chance to be front row for your favourite band.
Location: 219 8 Ave SW
Bella Concert Hall
State-of-the-art acoustics put the Bella Concert Hall on the map for live music in Calgary. Cozy and luxurious balcony seating makes each performance feel like a special occasion on the beautiful campus of Mount Royal University. Inspired by the prairie barns of Alberta, don’t forget to look up to the ceiling, designed to look like a prairie rose.
Location: 18 Mt Royal Cir SW
Grey Eagle Event Centre
Located on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation, Grey Eagle Event Centre hosts headlining Canadian and international musicians at their event centre. With 2,500 seats, you get that big concert sound with a comfortable atmosphere to see your favourite artist live on stage. Make your concert experience a true getaway and book a guest room at the hotel, play slots and table games at the casino, and enjoy a meal at one of five dining venues before or after the big show.
Location: 3775 Grey Eagle Dr.
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the famed Jack Singer Concert Hall is one of the most popular venues in the city. Located in Arts Commons, it’s a great idea to pair a night of live music at the Jack Singer with shopping and dinner along Stephen Avenue, a trip up the Calgary Tower, or a picnic at Olympic Plaza.
Location: 225 8 Ave SE
MacEwan Hall
This University of Calgary venue packs a punch, with contemporary hit makers, classic acts, and all ages concerts throughout the year. MacEwan Hall is a general admission venue with a big sound.
Location: 2500 University Dr NW
Scotiabank Saddledome
Music superstars take the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the biggest live music venue in Calgary. The roar of 17,000 fans makes this a special live music experience with all the bright lights and big sound you can handle. Take Calgary Transit to the Victoria Park/Stampede station for an easy way to get to and from the show.
Location: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
For more than 60 years, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium has hosted everything from intimate acoustic shows to classical performances. Home to the Calgary Opera, Alberta Ballet, and Broadway Across Canada, the 2,500 seat theatre can easily switch between casual performance space and extravagant night on the town. That’s what makes it one of the top places to see live music in Calgary.
Location: 1415 14 Ave NW
The Palace Theatre
Jack Singer Concert Hall (Photo Credit: Arts Commons)
Intimate Music Venues in Calgary
Studio Bell
The hub of Calgary’s Music Mile, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre tells the story of music in Canada with five floors of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and Canadian Music Halls of Fame. King Eddy next door hosts a more regular lineup of shows but look for special events and exclusive interviews in the main Performance Hall at Studio Bell. One-of-a-kind performances and interviews with Tegan and Sara, Ron Sexsmith, Jann Arden, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida, are the hottest tickets in the city as soon as events are announced.
Location: 850 4 St SE
Festival Hall
Home to the Folk Festival Society of Calgary, Festival Hall is an intimate performance space that brings the passion and energy of the Calgary Folk Music Festival to town all year. Film, food, theatre, and poetry workshops bring this intimate space to life for special performances in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood.
Location: 1215 10 Ave SE
Knox United Church
Location: 506 4 St SW
Lantern Community Church
Another local church with a tradition of hosting live music in Calgary, the Lantern Community Church hosts select classical performances, candlelight concert experiences, and special events each year.
Location: 1401 10 Ave SE
Performance Hall at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (Photo credit: Colin Way)
